Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Goodbye - Hello

Aloha.
alo, 1. sharing 2. in the present
oha, joyous affection, joy
ha, life energy, life, breath
Using Hawaiian language grammatical rules, we will translate this literally as "The joyful sharing of life energy in the present" or simply "Joyfully sharing life".

I was reminded of how important sharing life's moments are today.  As I watched the tearfull letting go of a loved one, I was also reminded of the joyful beginnings that life can also bring.  The birth of a new baby, the joyful coming together of loved ones that are starting their lives together.
After 20 years in the restaurant business I finally said goodbye and begin another chapter.  Just letting of something as simple as this is not easy.  I would add, that even letting go of a House you have lived in for over 30 years is difficult for me.  To watch a family grapple with saying goodbye to a Mother makes you feel small.

What is reassuring is how important family and loved ones are.  The Ohana.  The blood related, the adopted or intentional.  I have recently discovered family members from my Mothers side of the family and that has brought me such joy.  I look forward to seeing them.  I have known the Pedit family the longest of any outsider and believe I must be one of them.  My fathers family has comforted me in times of need and look forward to being able to see them again.  I discovered another Family while living here in Ann Arbor, and feel they have become family members also.  The many Restaurant employees I have worked with and the Rowing Community I was truly blessed to get to know.  I can't help but feel like a very lucky man today.

So although we have to say goodbye sometimes, I hope another door will open and there will be someone standing there saying, Aloha!



No comments:

Snow day

Snow is sprinkling down and the piano fingers sprinkle the key boards in the background. Moody Friday.